BAKU: The Azerbaijani government has suspended the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News, but one journalist will be allowed to continue working in the country.
According to a report by foreign news agency Reuters, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has issued orders to close the local broadcasts of BBC News, but no explanation has been issued regarding the decision.
The Foreign Ministry said that Baku takes into account the principle of mutual cooperation in all decisions and relations with foreign media.
The BBC said in a statement that it was hesitant to close the broadcasts after verbal orders from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, but we deeply regret such harsh measures against independent journalism because we will not be able to provide reports of events from Azerbaijan to our viewers abroad.
It was further stated that we are seeking further clarification from the Azerbaijani authorities.
The BBC began broadcasting in Azerbaijan in 1994 and averages one million viewers a week.
According to the international organization of journalists Reporters Without Borders, journalism has been under pressure in Azerbaijan in recent years, with 21 media professionals currently in prison.
On the other hand, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev rejects criticism of the arrests of journalists, saying that Azerbaijan has a free press and free internet.
